Every dog owner knows that the consequences of owning a dog can sometimes be a damaged interior. Depending on the type of dog you have, they can also reach for the blinds and cause damage to them. While you can purchase some cheaper versions of blinds, they aren’t exactly a product that you want to be constantly shelling out money for. There are a number of Dog Proof blinds on the market that dogs can’t destroy, and you’ll want to keep reading to figure out which ones to keep on your radar.
Why Do You Need Dog Proof Blinds?
Dogs are naturally playful and curious creatures, especially the younger ones. If you’re a first-time dog owner that is surprised when your dog is beginning to tear your shoes apart, rip up your clothes, and damage your blinds, it’s just something that comes with the territory.
Dogs love to chew on things, and if you’re starting to notice your dog chewing on your blinds, there are typically a couple of reasons underlying this behavior.
People or Animals Outside
When a dog sees another person or animal outside of the window, it’s natural for them to jump up against the blinds and potentially chew them. Blinds aren’t exactly the sturdiest product in the world, and when a heavier-set dog jumps up on the blinds, it can end up breaking them off their hinges quite easily.
In most cases, dogs aren’t wanting to tear and chew apart your blinds on purpose. Their claws might accidentally latch onto the blinds while they are jumping up against the window when they recognize someone new outside.
Missing Their Owners (Separation Anxiety)
Separation anxiety is often an unpleasant behavior that many dog owners have to deal with at some point in their lives. Dogs develop a deep connection to their owner, and when the owner leaves, the dog acts out in distress.
An example of this is if you sleep in your room at night with the door closed, it can cause an immense amount of separation anxiety for your dog. Separation anxiety can lead to dogs chewing objects in the home, and blinds might be one of them.
Separation anxiety in dogs can lead to an increased amount of stress, and that stress is what will cause the dog to be chewing on your blinds. It’s quite normal for dogs to experience separation anxiety, but sometimes the issue becomes uncontrollable to the point where it begins to wreak havoc in the home.
In most cases, separation anxiety will occur right after you leave the home. In more severe cases, the anxiety can last throughout the entire day. Either way, it helps to visit a dog behavioral specialist or veterinarian to get things under control before your blinds are completely destroyed.
Boredom
Boredom is another reason why dogs might go around chewing things in your home. If you find that your dog consistently goes straight for your blinds, consider getting a chew toy to distract them instead of going for the blinds.
Boredom and loneliness in dogs sometimes go hand-in-hand. If you’re out of the home for 8 hours a day at work, this can lead to a prolonged period of loneliness in dogs. With 8 hours of nothing to do, a dog can develop a lot of pent-up energy that they feel the need to get rid of.
Unfortunately, your dog might be taking out its energy on your blinds to cure their loneliness and boredom. This is a difficult solution to solve because most full-time employees aren’t exactly able to drive home a couple of times a day and give attention to their dogs.
Hunger or The Need To Chew Something
Another reason why your dog might be destroying your blinds is due to hunger. In the same way that humans desire specific foods at certain times of the day, dogs also have these same cravings.
More often than not, your dog just might have an insatiable desire to chew something. Certain dogs enjoy the taste of different types of material or fabric in the home, and that will cause them to go continually chew on those products.
If you’re wanting to eliminate the hassle of dealing with destroyed blinds every time you get home from work, there are a number of blinds on the market that work better than others. There are also a number of things you’ll want to keep in mind when you’re in the process of selecting your blinds.
Considerations For Dog Proof Blinds
If you’re wanting to eliminate the hassle of dealing with destroyed blinds every time you get home from work, there are a number of blinds and designs on the market that work better than others.
There are also a number of things you’ll want to keep in mind when you’re in the process of selecting your blinds:
Consider Cordless
The dangling cord on blinds can be a real temptation for certain dogs. Once they begin to pull it, the temptation to pull it even further is too difficult for them to resist.
Cordless blinds are a unique and creative option for dog proof window blinds. With cordless blinds, you never have to worry about your dog jumping up and accidentally latching onto the cord and ripping it apart. With cordless blinds, the cord might be located in the rear, but other styles might not come with a cord.
Durability of The Material
Another thing you’ll want to think about when you’re looking for the ideal blinds is the material and quality. If you’re on a budget and are spending the lowest possible amount of money on your blinds, there is a good chance that they will be made cheaply. Cheaper blinds will typically break apart easier and faster than more expensive blinds, and as the old saying goes, you get what you pay for.
There isn’t a massive portion of dog proof blinds for windows on the market, but if you decide to spend a little more money on some blinds that are built with high durability, you won’t run into the issue of them being destroyed as much. Some materials you’ll want to keep on the radar are PVC or hard plastic
Dog Proof Vertical Blinds:
Vertical blinds are a good choice as the dog slide through much more efficiently in comparison to horizontal blinds, leading to a lesser chance of the blinds becoming destroyed. With a lot of the more common designs of blinds on the market, dogs can poke their snouts right through them, and as they pull away from the blinds, things begin to fall apart.
Consider Wood Material
Many dog owners have resorted to getting wooden blinds installed because they are a lot more durable and more difficult to chew and destroy for a dog.
Window Coverage
When you’re looking into the perfect blinds that will have a lesser chance of being destroyed by your pet, you’ll want to find ones that have the most amount of window coverage possible. Some dogs are very territorial, and that means that they’ll stand their ground every time they see someone walking past your home.
By choosing blinds that have a high degree of window coverage, your dogs won’t be able to see random people walking by through the gaps in the window. That will result in a much lower chance of your dog jumping up at the blinds.
Motorized Blinds
If you’re not worried about costs, motorized blinds are a wise option as dog proof blinds. With motorized blinds, you’ll never have to worry about your dog’s paws getting stuck in the cord. You simply operate the blinds with a remote control or voice command. In many cases, you can even operate the blinds with an app on your smartphone when you’re away from your home.
Placement
The placement of your blinds can play a large role in if your dog will be able to reach them or not. If you have a small dog and have blinds that are mounted higher, then there is a lower chance that the dog will be able to reach them in order to destroy them. That’s why most people choose cordless blinds in the first place.
Hardware
It’s best to choose blinds that don’t come with a lot of additional hardware. That’s another bonus of cordless blinds. They don’t have a pull string or additional characteristics that some of the other styles have, and that prevents your dog from being able to grab hold of more objects.
Best Blinds for Dogs:
Aleko BBL39X64BR – Best Blinds Overall
If you’re currently dealing with a strict budget, but still want dog proof blinds, then Aleko BBL39X64BR is a great product to consider. This roman-styled window blind is constructed of sturdy bamboo material and is one of the best products to consider if you don’t want plastic blinds.
Aleko BBL39X64BR blinds are roll-up blinds that consist of bamboo slats. To operate them, you’ll simply just pull down on the silk cord attached to them. You can also easily adjust the slats on these blinds, so you’ll never have to worry about not being able to get a nice amount of natural light flowing throughout your home.
If you’re worried that these blinds won’t fit on your windows, you can also easily give them a trim to make them fit. These blinds provide a natural appearance with earthy color tones that will lend well to the many different styles of interior design.
Cost: from $27.99
Pros:
- Cannot be destroyed easily by dogs
- Installation takes a couple of minutes
- Measurements are spot-on
- Ample amount of window coverage
- Unique design elements and build quality
- Perfect for nature lovers
- Lots of natural light
Cons:
- Sometimes the lock mechanism feels cheap
- The blinds might hold moisture in
Achim Home Furnishings – Runner-Up To The Best Dog Proof Blinds
These blinds are durably built out of polyester material, making them the perfect blinds to installing if you have one, two, or more dogs running around the house. They also provide a great deal of privacy and shade for whatever room you get them installed in.
These are not only a dog proof blinds, but also safe for children. Because of the high degree of craftsmanship that these blinds were installed with, you won’t have to worry about them warping or fading well into the future.
Achim Home Furnishings blinds are easy to operate no matter what your skill or comfort level with blinds is. The blinds are also cordless, so your dog won’t be able to get his or her paw stuck in the blind and yank on it.
Cost: $70
Pros:
- Safe for dogs and children
- Super easy and straightforward installation
- Great aesthetic appeal
- They allow a good measure of natural light in
- Easy to operate
- Sturdy and durable
- Not as expensive as some of the other options on the market
Cons:
- The build quality sometimes feels cheap over the years
Letau Blinds Cordless Tuscan Bamboo Roman Shades
Letau Blinds Cordless Tuscan Bamboo Roman Shades come in a number of different colors depending on your style and tastes in interior design characteristics. These blinds are extremely easy to use, and they are fully cordless. In addition, a bit of natural light will still have the ability to flow into your home because these aren’t blackout blinds.
To operate these blinds, all you have to do is simply pull up and down on the bottom of the blinds. These blinds don’t operate with a cord, so they are safe for kids and pets.
Cost: $75
Pros:
- Perfect choice for homes that have kids and pets
- Easy to operate
- They still allow natural light into the home
- Wide variety of colors/styles to choose from
Cons:
- Sometimes the amount of natural light might be too much
U.S. Window & Floor Blinds
U.S. window and floor blinds are constructed from very durable PVC material that will keep the sun from getting into your home. These cordless blinds are highly durable and come in a number of different sizes depending on what type of windows you’re installing them in.
In addition to the blinds, you’ll also get the mounting brackets, the instructions, the tilt wand, and the applicable clips and screws to get everything installed effectively. The cordless design of these blinds ensures that every room they are installed in will look sleek and unique. No cords will be dangling everywhere, making them perfect for rooms with pets and children.
These dog proof blinds are highly resistant to humidity, so it doesn’t matter if you’re in a climate that’s extremely humid or not, they will still be highly functional. Another nice thing about these blinds is that they don’t require a high degree of maintenance. They are blinds that will last you a long time without having to worry about your children or pets destroying them.
Cost: $60
Pros:
- Safe to install in rooms that dogs and children have access to
- Very easy to use
- Installation is straightforward and easy
- They make every room look more durable and functional
- They last a long time
- They are budget-friendly
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Sometimes the design feels a little flimsy
Chicology Cordless Horizontal Venetian Vinyl Blinds
Chicology blinds can be designed out of a variety of materials, so for those that want to get a little creative with their interior design while still avoiding damage from dogs, these are a wise option to consider. Some of the styles that Chicology blinds are offered in are:
- Plastic
- Polyester
- Fabric
- Steel
These dog proof blinds are perfect for those who either want a tiny bit of light flowing into a room, or nothing at all. Some of the colors that Chicology blinds are offered in are:
- Grey
- White
- Cappucino
With these vinyl blinds, you’re getting a product that is resistant to warping and moisture damage. Across many customer reviews, these blinds consistently rate quite high. Users especially enjoyed how Chicology blinds are able to lower the amount of glare getting into a room.
Cost: $50
Pros:
- Very easy to install
- Lightweight while still looking elegant and unique
- Strong ability to block out light
- Ensures privacy
- Straightforward to operate
- Durable
Cons:
- The blinds are narrow
Sunfree Blinds
Sunfree blinds are cordless and provide an aesthetic appearance that almost reminds you of curtains. These cordless blackout blinds protect your home from the harmful UV rays of the sun, and that means you don’t have to worry about your furniture or hardwood floors degrading in color over the years.
Sunfree blinds have a spring system that allows you to lift them automatically without any hassle or struggle. If you’re looking for a 100% blackout effect, you’ll want to get the outside mount option.
This can be one of the dog proof blinds, and perfect to install in your living room, bathrooms, bedrooms, and offices.
Cost: $72
Pros:
- Great packaging
- High quality
- Overall design
- Very durable
- Low maintenance
- Decently priced
- Lots of color options to choose from
- Installation
Cons:
- Sometimes the room can feel too dark
Calyx Interiors Cordless Roman Shades
Calyx Interiors Cordless Roman Shades are a perfect option for homes that have dogs because of their ability to completely cover the entire window. When blinds fully cover the window, that means your dog won’t have the chance to see people walking past outside of the window. For dogs that are more territorial, this can be the deciding factor in them jumping or not jumping up at the blinds.
These dog proof window blinds also don’t operate with the use of a cord, which is another bonus that can prevent the blinds from being destroyed. Cleaning of Calyx Interiors Cordless Roman Shades is easily done through the use of a cloth or vacuum that has the proper attachment on it.
There are a number of sizes and colors that you can choose from when selecting these blinds to purchase.
Cost: $40
Pros:
- Unique and attractive
- Resistant to damage from dogs
- Perfect balance between function and aesthetics
Cons:
- Their appearance isn’t for everyone
RediShade Custom Cordless Shades
The RediShade Custom Cordless Shades come in one piece, and that means your dog won’t be able to navigate its snout around any slats. These cordless shades are extremely easy to install and are able to fit on the inside or outside of the windowpane. Most dog owners choose to install them on the outside of the pane.
RediShade Custom Cordless Shades are manufactured out of polyester and nothing else. The head and bottom rail on this product are constructed from durable PVC material and they come in a semi-gloss finish. There are a total of 9 different colors to select from.
Cost: $75
Pros:
- Lots of color options
- Easy to install
- Option to install on inside or outside of windowpane
- Customization
Cons:
- Not 100% damage-proof
TJ Global Blinds
TJ Global blinds are a roll-up style of blinds that are manufactured out of bamboo material. Bamboo material adds a perfect touch of elegance to rustic-styled and even contemporary-styled homes. At the same time as adding a boost of aesthetic appeal, these blinds will prevent any harmful rays of the sun from getting into your home.
TJ Global blinds are sturdy and durable, so you can trust that your dogs won’t have a biting chance at destroying these ones. Because of the durability of these blinds, you can expect a long lifespan from them.
The blinds are extremely easy to install, and they provide a noticeable decrease in the amount of heat you’ll experience throughout your home in the summer months of the year. One thing to note about these blinds is that they are designed from carefully and specifically selected bamboo material, resulting in only the best-looking end result.
Cost: $94
Pros:
- Installation can be done in under 5 minutes
- Very easy to use
- Bamboo provides a great ambient feel of warmth in the home
- High quality and robust
Cons:
- The pull-string is always visible
Tips on How To Keep Dogs From Destroying Your Window Coverings
To say that dogs like to destroy things is an understatement. So, needless to say that we as dog owners must think of ways to outsmart our pets.
By doing this, we can help prevent the inevitable and also keep our dogs happy. Here are the top tips you need to consider to stop dogs from destroying your blinds or shades:
Avoid Low-Hanging Fabrics
It is obvious that whatever your dogs can reach, they can readily destroy. Of course, their innocence can be forgiven. This is especially true if you have golden retrievers or Labradors at home. These two breeds are among those who destroy things by playing.
Because of this, it’s best to try and avoid low-hanging fabrics. This way, you will be able to keep your window treatments out of reach and in the safe zone where your dogs can’t reach.
Pro Tip: Before buying, make sure that the measurements are correct! Double check them!. If you let your dogs inside your homes, this is a must. Check our comprehensive guide on how to measure blinds to ensure you measure correctly.
Purchase Durable Blinds And Shutters
There are plenty of blinds and shutters available in the market today, but be warned – the majority of them are low quality. So, be sure to look at the blinds closely and check that you are happy with the quality of the materials and parts.
When examining the blinds or shutters, consider if they are durable against any form of resistance. That includes of course the playfulness of your dogs!
Keep The Blinds or Shades Raised If They Are In The Room
If you already have low-hanging blinds or shades installed, consider raising them the moment your dogs are about. Be mindful of the dangling cords as they could also harm your furry friend!
Use Anti-Chew Sprays
What is an Anti-Chew Spray? Anti chew sprays contain a bad-tasting, bitter but harmless liquid. You can use this spray to discourage your dog from biting or licking things that they shouldn’t. This can be useful to put them off biting or chewing your window treatments. It’s amazing how quickly they learn when something tastes that bad!
Despite how common these sprays are used for dogs, it’s always worth checking with your veterinarian if you have any concerns with using them. Better safe than sorry!
Access To Windows
Dogs are smart animals (mostly) and they love to be near the windows and have a view of the outside world. The problem is, the outside world can get them excited, or angry etc. As a result, anything that stops them from having that view — like a nicely-installed blind or shade — is an obstacle that they need to remove out of their way (destroy).
Keep Them Occupied With Toys
Dogs love toys. However, they consider everything a toy, including your window treatments. Using dedicated dog toys to keep them occupied will divide their attention. The problem is, they can still eventually get bored if they are left alone.
Alternatives To Blinds If You Have Dogs At Home
If your dog just won’t let it lie, maybe it’s time that you settle for alternatives. Although many are not as beautiful as blinds or shades, they are still affordable and provide some comfort and style.
Here are some you can try:
Privacy Film
Settling with a privacy film is not a bad idea at all. Similar to window tinting, privacy films excel in providing you with that much-needed privacy and of course, this means your dog will not have something to grab, chew or destroy
Heavy-Fabric Curtains
Heavy-fabric curtains can be a good alternative. Because they are heavy, your pet dogs (especially those that are petite) will have a hard time playing with them. However, if you have a larger breed of dogs, this still might not be a solution.
Window Guards
If you really can’t beat your dogs, why not install window guards? As the name implies, it guards your window treatments against the intrusion of your pet dogs. However, you will need to very carefully study the design. You need to consider if they will blend in well with your interior or just create something that stands out negatively in the room.
Final Thoughts
If you currently have a dog or have ever had one in the past, you’ll know that they like to chew things around the home. For those that have a dog that is innately drawn to chewing blinds, choosing one of these dog proof blinds can go a long way in ensuring your blinds will remain free and clear of any damage for the foreseeable future.
You can also install Cat proof blinds, if you have cat in your home.